New to deer hunting other than I got one decades ago with a 30-30. Haven't deer hunted since. Starting back. I will be hunting mostly in the woods (mature hardwoods) and maximum shot length would be mostly 50-65 yards. A 30-30 would suffice. But, eventually, I may make shooting lanes or, hunt on a pasture edge I have. I'd say less than 200 yards and I might limit it to, say, 175 yards. The last thing I want to do is wound a deer, I seek clean kills. So, accuracy is important. Killing power is important.

From reading I have done, I'm thinking 30-30, but that wouldn't work for 175 yards. Or would it? A guy told me about a newer 30-30 cartridge that is lethal on much longer shots. I don't recall the name of it but I do see one by Hornady. I wonder if they work out to 175 yards? I could buy two rifles, but prefer to have just one. Other cartridges I am considering... .308, 7mm-08, 270. A 30.06 would work but I'd rather have less kick, I think. I'd also like to practice from time to time, so, lower cost ammo would be nice.

Then we come to rifles. I don't see a need for me to buy anything real expensive. I can afford anything within reason, but I wonder how much 'better' an expensive rifle is over a $400 (or even less) rifle. I don't care about looks, or supposed potential future value, only function.

I don't anticipate long walks to my stands. So, weight is not that much of an issue? I also don't care whether it's lever or bolt. I also am open to finding something used if I can. But, I also read where somebody said modern firearms are superior in accuracy.

Help!

If it was me at those distances I would get a .50 cal muzzle loader. Only because you can use it in two different seasons in many states. Not sure where you hunt. There are some newer shotgun slugs that preform at those ranges but I've never used them. I love a good 12 gauge in the woods. As far as rifles Indiana just started allowing them so I don't have much experience with them.

30-06. Problem solved

7mm-08
.308

Saying this points you right at the .308 without a doubt. Ammo costs are significantly lower in that caliber. Kick is less.

Hornaday Leverevolution ammo. With a scope on your 30-30, you'd be good to 200 yards, perhaps a bit more. That ammo gets good reviews.

7mm -08 I just acquired one and will be retiring my 270. Browning A bolt

Hornaday's Leverevolution ammo should easily work up to 200 yards in your 30-30. Their website (see link below) shows a pretty good PBR trajectory out to 200 yards with about 1300 lbs of energy left. As always, buy a box or 2 and test it in your rifle to be sure and to make sure you're sighted in for it.

The other calibers you're considering are all good calibers and will substantially extend your range past 200 yards. It's always fun to get a new rifle but your 30-30 will do what you need at the distances you mentioned.

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/r...erevolution#!/

Any of the cartridges you suggested will do the job better than your 30-30. Each will shoot flatter then it. Besides those you suggested you can add the 243 and 270 to that list. As for rifles I'm not a big fan of these new triggers similar to the Accutrigger. That being said there are a lot of rifles on used racks especially this time of year that have absolutely nothing wrong with them other then guys (or gals) wanting a new one. Find one you like, get out shooting it and tag your deer next season.

Any of these in a rifle you like will work great.


I've had problems with Hornady's Leverevolution ammo in two 30-30's and a 35 Rem. Other's say it works great. You might want to try it in your 30-30 to see how it works.


NYH1.

Ruger American in 7-08 will meet your needs nicely. Inexpensive rifle, inexpensive ammo, considerably less recoil than 30-06, more than enough power for 0-200yrd deer hunting, or well beyond. The standard model, blued and synthetic, will run about $400, whereas the stainless and synthetic will be $550-600ish, but might give you some peace of mind if you're not a gun cleaning nut.

A scoped 30-30 is a 400yrd deer rifle, not just 200. About 200 is where a guy has to start dialing or holding over, but it carries plenty of power to cleanly kill deer far beyond that mark. It's not as easy to find 94's or 336's for $400 or less as it used to be, and if you're hunting with a scope, you need a Marlin, not the Winchester. Ammo is cheap and widely available, recoil is low, and the knock down power is there, so other than the rifle cost, it meets your needs.